We have exciting electives being offered this mini-term. Each middle school student is given the choice to take two classes. Here are the elective choices.
Living Well – Ms. Rupke
In this mini term elective, we will address the question, What does it mean to live well? We will spend time reflecting on physical, emotional and spiritual well being. This class will include journalling and collage, pilates, jogging, some baking and looking at the food pyramid and healthy eating.
Portraiture – with Ms. Cornell-Merrill
In this session, we will explore paint and pastel, as we create portraits. Christine Cornell, mother of a Mustard Seed School student, is an artist and teacher who is here to share her art with aspiring painters. If you enjoy spending time with color and brushes and producing an artful product.
Japanese Language & Culture - with Mrs. Mauldin
In this elective, we will experience and explore Japanese language, culture, and music! We will listen to traditional and contemporary music from Japan and note the variety of styles and forms that have emerged from Japanese culture. We’ll also try out some traditional Japanese clothing, simple conversational language, and, of course, food. If you are interested in broadening your horizons and visiting the land of the rising sun, this course if for you.
Sound Explosion – Jared & Noni Mason
In this session, we will explore rhythm, sound and soul in everyday life, taking the mundane and turning it into the marvelous. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands!” (Psalm 66:1)
Week 1: Look. Listen, & Love!; Week #2: Care & Create; Week #3: Dream & Do!
Note: Jared & Noni Mason met while performing rhythms in the percussion show, STOMP!. Now, Jared performs in Million Dollar Quaret, while their three sons attend Mustard Seed School. Jared and Noni, together, lead workshops and love to bring their passion for rhythm to students.
Internship, 9:10-10:00 AM (Session 1)
Student interns will serve as assistants, leading special projects with younger students. This elective, then, is an opportunity to work. Those students who are accepted for select positions will prepare materials, guide students in research and the creative process, encourage new ideas, and assist students and teachers in cleaning up. As a real-work position, this is definitely an experience that, if successful, would enhance a future high school application, as well as challenge the intern to new levels of leadership. Internships include work in the Shared Space (leading Collage and Drama), the third grade (as math tutor or teaching assistant), and the Nest (guiding play and snack with the preschool).
Session 2: 10:30-11:20
Engineering Design Squad - with Mr. Choi
Design, build, compete! In this session, each one of us will be given different engineering challenges each day and will compete with one another to see who has the best design. All challenges are from the PBS show, Design Squad. This session is for students who have a passion for understanding how things work.
Let’s Sing!– with Ms. Olukun
This session is music for the soul. We will listen to Gospel Music, Soul, and R & B and hear the connections – from the traditional styles of Mahalia Jackson to the contemporary styles of Hezekiah Walker, from Gospel standards to Holy Hip-Hop. We’ll sing too, of course . . . and will hopefully find ourselves singing in Community Worship, as a part of our Advent worship time
Amigurumi (Crochet) – with Miss Penfold
Let’s learn the art of crochet through making little amigurumi! Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting stuffed animals. In this course, we will start by making a mini-baseball or basketball hacky sack and finish by crocheting a stuffed animal of your choosing. You will learn basics of crochet as well, including how to increase, decrease and the single crochet stitch.
Exploring the Graphic Novel – with Ms. Kastner
In this class we will create our own graphic novels using whatever styles of writing and art most appeal to us. We will look at various examples of graphic novels to generate inspiration for developing either fictional or non-fiction stories or narratives. Fantasy, biography, science fiction, adventure, humor and historical fiction will be examined. Students may work independently or they can collaborate, focusing on either art or writing to construct an original and personal book. We will concentrate on developing an idea, deciding on an appropriate art style, and laying out the story visually to produce a strong finished result.
Internship (Session 2, 10:30-11:20)
Student interns will serve as assistants, leading special projects with younger students. This elective, then, is an opportunity to work. Those students who are accepted for select positions will prepare materials, guide students in research and the creative process, encourage new ideas, and assist students and teachers in cleaning up. As a real-work position, this is definitely an experience that, if successful, would enhance a future high school application, as well as challenge the intern to new levels of leadership. Internships include serving in the Shared Space (leading a weaving or woodworking project) or the Nest (guiding preschool students in the playing of board games).
